Paes-Rikl to meet Woodbridge-Bjorkman next

Leander Paes and David Rikl advanced to the pre-quarterfinals for a thrilling showdown with the world’s top doubles players and reigning champions Todd Woodbridge and Jonas Bjorkman in the US Open championship.

Paes and Rikl, seeded 13, snuffed out Yves Allegro of Switzerland and Germany’s Michael Kohlmann 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the second round match yesterday for the meeting with the record breaking Swedish-Australian duo.

Woodbridge, the number two in doubles ranking, this year broke Tom Okker’s record for most career titles in the Open era, and now has 81 titles including 15 Grand Slam crowns. Swede Bjorkman is ranked No 1 and has seven Grand Slam wins under his belt. — (PTI)